Security VAR Tolerant Systems hits the wall

Newcastle-under-Lyme-based outfit calls in insolvency practitioner

Fears are growing over the fate of fledgling security VAR Tolerant Systems following its move to call in an insolvency practitioner.

The Newcastle-under-Lyme-based McAfee partner – run by popular industry figure Robert Cavan – is working with insolvency firm Wilson Field, and a creditors' meeting has been set for 3 July.

Despite having only been launched last April, the Tolerant name, and team behind it, has a rich history in the channel.

In 2011, Cavan led a £1m MBO of RMS IT Security, the security VAR arm of Redstone, although just a year later sold it on to Pinnacle for less than half that sum. RMS IT Security was actually based on a security VAR called Tolerant Systems that Redstone acquired in 2006.

On his Linked In page, Cavan (pictured) says he founded Tolerant with key members of the core Tolerant/Redstone and RMS IT Security team last April. According to its webpage, it is a Premier partner of McAfee and also works with the likes of IBM, BT and CA.

Cris Pikes, chief executive of rival McAfee partner Sysec, sympathised with Tolerant's plight.

"It's sad to see a reseller hit the wall and Sysec will certainly be interested in looking at any McAfee clients that need to be supported," Pikes said.

Calls to Tolerant's switchboard went unanswered.

One source said he understood that staff there have been let go, the firm will be liquidated and assets will be sold off.

A representative of Wilson Field sent us the following statement: "The above company operated as a reseller of computer security systems to various industry sectors.

"Leading insolvency practitioners, Wilson Field, have been employed at this stage to advise the company's management but have not been formally appointed in any other capacity. It is understood that the company has ceased trading."